A revised analytical method is presented for the quantification of ultra trace level (fg mL？1) PGEs (Pt, Ir and Rh) in polar snow and ice samples by focusing on the following issues: (i) evaluation of the efficiency of a non-boiling preconcentration procedure for analyses at the fg mL？1 level of PGEs in our laboratory;(ii) establishment of the appropriate instrumental conditions to obtain low detection limits, high accuracy and precision;and (iii) verification of the contributions of possible contamination during the ice core decontamination process using an artificial ice core as a sample.ng preconcentration procedure for analyses at the fg mL？1 level of PGEs in our laboratory;(ii) establishment of the appropriate instrumental conditions to obtain low detection limits, high accuracy and precision;and (iii) verification of the contributions of possible contamination during the ice core decontamination process using an artificial ice core as a sample.